If you’re new to the wonders and joy of globetrotting, then one of the more daunting aspects of travel that is probably on your mind right now is the documentation you need. You’ve probably heard of terms like visa, passport or even waivers. However, you might not have a clue what they mean or what they’re for. If you’re in that position, then it’s a good idea to get you started by introducing to you what each document is, what they are used for, and where you can obtain them.

First of all, check a website like expedia.co.uk and use the visa checker to see if you’ll need a visa to enter your country of choice. In most cases, you won’t need a visa if you’re traveling within the same continent or to a location that is close to you. For instance, traveling within Europe doesn’t require a visa or a passport. However, traveling from Europe to the United States does require one. Fortunately, there are cheaper options for visas depending on your country of origin and the place you want to visit. For example, this official-esta.com guide explains how it’s possible to get a cheaper visa in order to enter the United States. This is only offered to certain countries and there’s a fee, but it’s far cheaper than getting a proper visa. Sadly, this option isn’t open to all countries. For instance, journeying to China means you still have to pay for a full visa, and this even expires after a certain amount of time, making it a lot of money for a simple visit. There are sometimes options for short-term visas as well. Whenever you decide to go, make sure you’ve researched the necessary visa requirements.

PASSPORT

We can’t forget that you also need a passport. Passports are different to visas because they generally serve different purposes. Passports are issued to the citizens of a country and can be used as identification as well as international travel. It’s used to prove that you come from the country you claim, and this is all for the sake of identification and security purposes. It usually includes a photo and some basic personal information such as your name and gender, and they also cost quite a bit of money to register. Passports can expire, and you’re usually given the option of purchasing a long-term one or a shorter one for a higher price.

IMMUNIZATION

Traveling responsibly is important, and one of the most pressing matters is the subject of disease and illness. Some countries will deny you entry if you aren’t properly vaccinated against certain diseases. This can add a layer of frustration to your holiday and if you aren’t prepared, you might be denied entry, quarantined and ultimately sent back home. Make sure you check for immunization requirements before you plan your trip. The entire process can be grueling and take a long time, but as long as you hold onto those vaccination documents and consult your doctor, it should be an easy hurdle to overcome.